Trend: Heart Shaped Minaudieres Under $50

Our favorite? The red satin La Regale minaudiere is the most understated of them all, which makes it a perfect accent for many evenings beyond February 14th. And if you know someone seriously upping the romance this Valentine’s Day, it would be a great box to hold a smaller box.

La Regale Satin Minaudiere Heart
$49.90
Pictured at right, available in red satin
Buy It {Endless}

BG Crystal on heart Clutch Evening Bag
$22.99
Pictured center, available in red, fuschia (shown), lilac (shown), lime (shown), silver and black
Buy It {Amazon}

Heart Purse
$45
Pictured at left, available in black, red, silver and gold
Buy It {Harmony Lane}

Treat: Heart Shaped Minaudieres Under $150

If the others are a little too sweet for your taste, these mesh chain covered clutches in black, pink, silver and red have a sexy red satin lining, and a little extra edge.

Whiting & Davis Heart Clutch
$135
Buy It {Endless}

Treasure: Love Knows No Price

What would a minaudiere guide be without Judith Leiber? The most famous tiny purse artisan of them all has your glimmering, collectible Valentine’s Day wishes covered. Light Rose, Champagne, Siam (Red) and Rhine (Medium Gray) Austrian crystal-covered sparklers are available directly from Judith Leiber, Cosmo Jet (Black) is available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Judith Leiber Heart N’ Soul Minaudiere
$2195
Buy It {Judith Leiber}
Buy It {Bergdorf Goodman}

Unless, of course, it’s a French grain sack.

The latest trend in interior design? Reusing the humble grain sack to create a look that’s quintessentially Rustic French Chic. From small boutiques (like this fabulous California gem, 3 Fine Grains) to chains like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, and Anthropologie, the sack has made a comeback in a big way. And even if you can’t afford the real deal (like this divine chair…sigh), you can always get that French Country look by incorporating natural fibers, lettered prints, and stripped furniture into your home.

In need of some further inspiration? Just check out our picks to get that French feel in no time!

TREND: Under $100

Clockwise, from top left: Calligraphy Drum Lamp Shade, Small, $39 from Pottery Barn; Fleur-De-Lys Hook Rack, $38 from Anthropologie; Vintage French Linen Pillow Covers, $35 – $40 from Restoration Hardware; Rustic Leather-Top Window Panel, $69 – $99, and Kooboo Storage Tall Log Basket, $69 from West Elm; Black & White Apothecary Bath Accessory, Medium Canister, $27 from Pottery Barn; Vintage Strip Apron, $39 from Restoration Hardware; Cursive Knobs, $12 each from Anthropologie; Banker Box Storage, Set of 3, $35 from Pottery Barn.

TREAT: Under $300

Clockwise, from top left: Rustic Wall Organizer, Pinboard, $149 from Pottery Barn; Chateau-Thierry Clock, $299 from Restoration Hardware; Adorations Curtain, $158 – $198 from Anthropologie; French Grain Sack Floor Cushion, Laundry Emblem, $169 from Ballard Designs; French Laundry Pillows, $95 – $160 from Neiman Marcus; Feed Sack Pillow, Blue Stripe Square, $149 from Wisteria.

TREASURE: Over $600

Clockwise, from top left: French Six-Leg Upholstered Bench, Red Stripe, $599 from Wisteria; Ordinal Dresser, $998 from Anthropologie; The Lounging French Chaise, $1,199 from Wisteria; “Olivia” Cocktail Table, $1,429 from Horchow; Vintage Floor Lamp, $695, and Vintage French Chair, $1,150 from Jayson Home & Garden.

READ MORE {Orange County Register}

So, we say it’s time to say good-bye to the suddenly hackneyed technology of the Kindle, and to start getting acquainted with the new kids in town: the eReaders of 2010.

TREND: UNDER $400

The Spring Design Alex, $359

What looks like a Nook, sells like a Nook, and wants to kick some serious Nook ass?

The Alex.

Coming soon to a Borders near you, the Alex is Spring Design’s answer to Barnes & Noble’s Nook (which, according to Spring Design is actually a plagiarized version of their Alex). Also an eReader that runs on Android, the Alex differs in that its capacitive LCD touchscreen lets you browse the web…and its price tag comes in a little heftier at $359.

Read More {CNet}

Read More {Engadget}

Read More {Gizmodo}

Samsung E6 Reader, $399

Samsung enters into the eReader market with its simply named and designed E6 Reader. Different from its competitors thanks to its handwriting capabilities, slide-out controls, and a partnership with Google, the E6 may not be a game-changer, but at least it’s bending (if not breaking) the eReader mold.

Read More {Engadget}

Read More {CrunchGear}

TREAT: UNDER $500

enTourage eDGe DualBook, $490

Combining two the biggest trends at CES this year, the enTourage eDGe is, according to their Web Site, the “World’s First Dualbook” to combine a tablet with an eReader.

A very cool piece of machinery, the two sides actually talk to each other (writing into the eReader side pulls up the option to search on Wikipedia or Google on the other), so it’s basically like owning a lap top (that runs on Android) with a nice alternative monitor for reading. We’re loving the idea – but not so much the size. At almost 20 inches when opened up, it’s not exactly “light” reading – pun intended. But, at $490 for a tablet AND an eReader, we might be tempted to overlook its bulk.

Read More {Gizmodo}

Read More {Engadget}

Read More {enTourage}

TREASURE: UNDER $800

Plastic Logic’s QUE Reader, 4GB for $649 and 8GB for $799

Light, thin, and perfect for the professional on the go, the QUE Reader is meant to accompany you when you’re grabbing your morning coffee, slipping into your office meeting, or catching up on emails at home. Compatible with Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and most Newspapers, the Que may not be the “funnest” eReader, but it will help you get the job done. And at $649, you should certainly hope so.

Read More {Gizmodo}

Read More {Engadget}

Read More {Que}

TORTURE: UNDISCLOSED

Skiff Reader

The biggest eReader yet, the Skiff, at 11.5 inches long (but only a quarter of an inch thick), is meant as a big ole’ flexible touchscreen version of a Newspaper. Although the Skiff reader will be available in either a black and white or a color version, not much else is known about these devices as of yet – including its price.

Read More {Gizmodo}

Read More {Engadget}

Notion Ink Adam tablet/eReader

No, it doesn’t bend, it isn’t huge, it may not come with 3D glasses and it doesn’t have a little apple on its back – but the combination tablet and eReader known as the Adam is making big waves in the tech world.

Why? You ask?

Its screen. A screen that’s the future of the eReader (and some say the death knell of e-Ink technology). Known as a Pixel QI transflective screen, this guy can actually go from a backlit LCD mode to a low-power electrophoretic reflective mode (like e-Ink), depending on your environment  or preference. So whether you’re reading a book in your bedroom or trying to watch a movie in your sunny backyard, the Adam should be able to adapt no matter what – pretty cool, huh?

Add into the mix a tablet that runs on Android and some pretty cool concepts to display digital magazines, and we’re officially psyched. And, while the Adam is still in its early development stages, we can’t wait to see the final product.

Read More {Gizmodo}

Read More {SlashGear}

The it-dessert of the moment?

A delectable, crispy, colorful cookie with a gooey melt-in-your-mouth center known as the macaron (MAC-A-RON, or, if you secretly wish you were French:MAC-A-HRAWH). These guys are getting so popular, that even Starbucks is going to start selling them (although, after you’ve read this post and become a veritable macaron snob, you may want to avoid the crumbly Starbucks imitations).

While the spelling is similar to macaroon (those yummy coconut doodads you probably munched on as a kid), they couldn’t look and taste more different. Macarons come in a variety of colors and flavors – but the one thing they have in common is that they all look too good to eat.

That is, of course, until you actually try one, and then any self-control you have will swiftly go away. If you’ve had one bite, you’ll certainly want to get your paws on more – so here are our suggestions for ways you can satisfy those macaron cravings.

TREND: FOLLOW THE BLOGS

While you certainly could seek out macarons in every patisserie you come across, it’s surprisingly difficult if you don’t live in Paris. Of course, for the brave, there’s always the option of making them yourself.

We know, scary. These little guys look about as simple to construct as a model yacht. And, to be honest, baking macarons is not like baking brownies (where you can follow any recipe and have yummy chocolate goodness in no time).

For some help along the way,we recommend the blogs of David Lebovitz, Tartelette, and Serious Eats for tips on perfecting your technique (which you’ll definitely need to create these delicate cookies), inspirational recipes, and some serious, mouth-watering food porn.

TREAT: BUY THE BOOKS

If you want to take a lesson from the macaron masters, I’m afraid you’re going to have to brush up on your francais.

Pierre Hermé, generally considered the leading expert on the macaron, is the author of the aptly titled: Macaron (€29, approximately $40 on Amazon France). His book is the one you want if you’re serious about your macaron making. You could also check out Un Amour de Macaron (A Love of Macarons – €36, approximately $52 on Amazon France) by Stephane Glacier.

Of course, if your French never progressed beyond the level of “Quoi?” there’s  I Heart Macarons by Hisako Ogita – the newest entry into the world of macarons cookbooks and the hottest little pastry book on the market. Oh, and even better? It’s under $11.

TREASURE: TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS

For the culinary disinclined, it’s probably best to leave these ambitious pastries to the professionals. You’ll have to spend a fair chunk of change, but the return will be oh so delightful.

Outside of Paris or Tokyo, the best place to pick up a Macaron is New York City – but only at La Maison du Chocolat. Feel free to stock up while you’re there – but make sure you don’t wait too long to eat them. These cookies are meant to be savored when they’re fresh.

Of course, if you’re shopping at La Maison du Chocolat, chances are you wouldn’t be able to wait even if you wanted to.

TORTURE: When Only An Original Will Do

Finally, let’s say the blogs and cookbooks weren’t enough: you tried and ended up with a baking sheet of goop (not the trendy Gwyneth kind). La Maison du Chocolat sounds delicious, but a blizzard snows all over your hopes of making it to the city. And you’re an unabashed French dessert lover who likes your macarons Parisian, or Blair Waldorf. You’re on your own for getting your goodies from the City of Lights to your doorstep – none of the shops deliver to the US. But barring a Chuck Bass in your life, FedEx International will usually do the trick (pickup before 2pm will have them at your doorstep the next day).

Name dropped on Gossip Girl as Blair’s favorite, Ladurée offers the basics – chocolate, vanilla, coffee – as well as a number of seasonal flavors. And they’ve got a hypnotizing series of macarons that dance across your screen at their dedicated macaron page. For a shop with a lower profile, Dalloyau got their start in 1682 and have had a retail presence in Paris since 1802. Though there’s not a lot of diversion from the chocolate, vanilla, pistachio and raspberry flavors common in France, we can vouch from first-hand tasting that there’s a good reason why they’ve lasted as long as they have.

Pierre Herme Chocolat au Macaron and Black Truffle Macarons

But for the type of treat that would make you seriously consider flying these little lovelies in, there’s the aforementioned Pierre Hermé’s macarons. The website is a bit of a challenge to navigate – the British flag at the top only translates a portion of the site (thus proving it is indeed French), but images from the product catalog will tempt you regardless of language. There’s a savory macaron that mixes a chestnut biscuit outer, with a mascarpone black truffle center, and enough chocolate/macaron mashups to secure Herme’s place as master of the modern macaron.

The contenders? Turkey and, well, everything else.

Side-dishes often get a bad rap (and no wonder – thanks to cranberry sauce in a can), but they’ve recently been making quite a come back in the culinary world. As side-dish advocate and New York Times writer, Julia Moskin, recently noted, side dishes are a great way to bring creativity and pizzazz to an otherwise “stuffy” Thanksgiving table. Not that we’re saying that we don’t like turkey, or tradition for that matter, but what’s the fun in keeping everything the same year after year?

Whether you just want an alternative to bland bean casseroles or are looking for a luxurious dish that will wow your dinner guests, we’ve got our favorite, unique recipes right here:

Trend: Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Rosemary

What’s hot in the culinary world right now? Brussels Sprouts. Don’t give us that look! They’re good, we swear! You just need to follow the golden sprout rule: DO NOT OVER COOK. When cooked right, Brussels Sprouts are a fabulous alternative to Green Beans, and we’re loving this recipe from Good Housekeeping, which has the perfect balance of “vegetably” goodness and savory flavoring.

Treat: Thai-Inspired Fiery Sweet Potatoes

We’d never have thought of marrying Thai spices with traditional sweet potatoes, but what better way to offset the (often overpowering) sweetness of yams than with a fiery kick of spicing? This is one unusual side dish that will definitely make a statement on your Thanksgiving table.

Malika Ameen, whose sourdough stuffing is a taste of luxury

Treasure: Sourdough Dressing With Truffle Butter and Candied Chestnuts

This recipe, adapted from chef Malika Ameen, is a decadent stuffing – the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Complete with chanterelle mushrooms, candied chestnuts, and truffle butter, this is a side dish that laughs in the face of the economy. But, if you’re trying to throw a Thanksgiving extravaganza to impress (economy be damned!), then you couldn’t do better than this richly flavored and unique stuffing.

Read More {New York Times}

Graham and Spenser
Collar Shrug
Sizes P,S,M
$151
Buy it {Funky LALA}

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair
Black Part Tee
Size XS-L
$232
Buy it {OAK}

Creating asymmetrical shapes and lines through drapery allows architectural elements in a silhouette while leaving the body free from constraints. The lines cascade and fall naturally around the curves of a woman giving a modern elegance to tried and tested look.

Viviene Westwood
Striped nuba Top
Available in red and black
$414
Buy it {mywardrobe}

Kiyonna
Kenzie cowl neck sweater
Size 1X-5X
$58
Buy it

Ruching adds texture and shape to particular areas in a garment, rather than a tailored cut fabric gathers to form a desired shape, and in most cases hiding those softer spots.

Rick Owens Lilies
Asymmetric Ruched wool blend top
Size 2-12
$365
Buy it {net-a-porter}

Kiyanna
Sydney Ruched Top
Size 1X-5X
$58
Buy it

A couple extras to help create a full look that’s right on trend.

Mason Martin Margiela
Drape skirt
Size S,M
$181
Buy it {ssense}

Robert Rodriguez
Cashmere Harem pants
Size M,L
$322
Buy it {funkyLALA}

We definitely have a trend here. From Payless to Dior, everyone has a version (in some case several) of the little black bootie. The style is a holdover from last season, and the color is a fashion standard that goes with anything. Whether you decide to invest in the look as a trend, treat or treasure it’s a safe place to stash a little loot.

Trend

Parker Tailored Peep-Toe Bootie
$29.99
Sizes: 5.5-11

{Payless}

Treat

Myranda Leather Bootie
$127.96
Sizes: 5.5-10

{Steve Madden}

Treasure

Black Patent Cannage Bootie
$675.00

{Christian Dior}